Villa Plakiana

Villa Plakiana: Crete

Situated on the shores of Souda Bay, with views over the White Mountains and the glistening sea, this gorgeous nineteenth-century stone villa has been lovingly restored by your hosts using traditional techniques. Formerly the home of the village winemaker, great care has been taken to preserve its character – even going as far as to repair the old wine press – while also bringing it into the twenty-first century.

In true Greek style, the interiors are painted bright white, with exposed wooden beams and tiled floors. However, the mid-century-inspired furniture and stunning light wood and marble kitchen bring a touch of contemporary class. Upstairs, there are three bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom and balcony, so that you can make the most of those views from the privacy of your room.

Step outside, and you'll find yourself in the heart of the traditional village of Xirosterni, surrounded by more beautiful stone houses. There's little in the way of tourist infrastructure here, so you can make the most of immersing yourself in local life. With that said, you're only a ten-minute drive from the charming waterfront tavernas, cafes and shops of Almyrida beach.

Home truths:
*At capacity, one guest will be sleeping on a sofa bed in the living room
*We'd recommend a car to explore the area – there's parking on site
*Bedrooms 2 and 3 can be set up in either a twin or king-sized configuration – just let your host know before you arrive
*A music festival takes place in the village on August 5th and 6th each year, so you'll find it particularly busy around this time
*The pool is heated so guests can enjoy it year-round
*Access to the home is via a private entrance
*The dining table doubles as a laptop-friendly workspace